“What we see and what we can’t see in the Past”

Answer 7 of the 8 questions below. Your Choice. Typed.

1. Thelen claims Williamson’s article allows us to explore the practice of history as much as the specialized topic that Williamson takes on. What does he mean? How do you see the practice of history in W’s article?

2. What does this article have to do with the issue of perspective?

3. Why does W start his essay with the Thomas hearings? What is the purpose or significance of the opening discussion? [Please make sure you look this up so you can respond intelligently.]

4. Where does W’s knowledge of lynching come from? How is that different from what he says about Thomas’? Your thoughts on this?

5. What does Williamson mean when he says the past is not past?

6. Williamson criticizes himself on historical issues of gender. Why?

7. What did you learn from Williamson’s essay about the practice of history?

8. Which referee(s) reports do you agree the most with and why?